20 unlicensed contractors arrested in sting operation.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s office recently arrested 20 unlicensed contractors in operation freelancer sting.

Undercover detectives called various contractors and asked them to show up to a residence and quote a job.  As the contractors showed up, the DBPR database was checked to determine if they had a license.

Not only were these contractors unlicensed – but out of 20 contractors – 13 had prior criminal histories with a total of  91 prior felony charges and 89 prior misdemeanor charges.  A couple of the contractors showed up in possession of illegal substances, and 2 more were driving with suspended licenses.

This serves to illustrate that if you hire an unlicensed contractor you probably have at least a 50% chance of hiring a criminal.

Consumers can verify licenses with the DBPR online at www.myfloridalicense.com, by calling 850-487-1395, or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating is not only licensed and insured, but we use third party verification by Ask the Seal. Our employees are drug tested and have complete nationwide background checks on a regular basis. 

Visit our website: KeepingSarasotaCool.com


Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/11/18/5481868_sarasota-deputies-arrest-20-in.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Is Your AC Technician A "Jack Of All Trades?"

It is estimated that over half of all air conditioning systems operating in the U.S. were not installed properly.

An improperly installed system will not work efficiently and will result in expensive repair and utility bills. Hiring the cheapest contractor is never a good idea, and when it comes to the specialized and complicated industry of HVAC - you definitely need to hire a professional. The company that comes up with the lowest bid will have to cut their costs somewhere.

Examples of improperly installed air conditioning systems can include: undersized and un-insulated refrigerant lines, ducts not sealed or insulated, over sized or undersized air conditioning equipment, mismatched indoor and outdoor sections, improperly charged refrigerant, wiring that has not been upgraded.
Ever hear the saying "Jack of all trades - master of none".

A company that offers Air Conditioning, Plumbing, electrical and other services may not be able to offer the same high level of quality and service as a company that specializes in only Air Conditioning. Your local handyman definitely does not have the knowledge or the experience to properly maintain or repair your Air Conditioning.

Much in the same way that the backyard auto mechanic has become obsolete, the increasing sophistication of today's air conditioning systems requires technicians to constantly fine tune their skills.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. sticks with what we do best. No plumbing, no electrical, no landscaping - just the best Air Conditioning and heating!

Call us today and get the quality and service you deserve!

Why should I sign up for an Air Conditioning Maintenance Agreement?

In the future, Air Conditioning systems may be intelligent enough to maintain themselves,   or at least they will have warning lights that will alert you to potential problems.

Automobiles have all sorts of warning lights to let us know when gas is low, oil level is low, tires are flat, etc.  Unfortunately the air conditioning system is out of sight and out of mind for most people.

But just like cars need periodic maintenance, your Sarasota A/C system needs regular attention.  Having a maintenance contract in place will keep your system working at peak efficiency, and will prevent costly repair bills down the road.

Keeping your Florida home comfortable can account for almost 50% of your yearly energy costs, so having an Air Conditioning Tech come out twice a year do a checkup is a great way to save money!

During a regular maintenance visit there will be many things we check, here are just a couple:

We make sure your electrical connections are not tight and secure.  Loose connections can shorten the life of your equipment and cause unnecessary repairs.  We also check all voltages and make sure everything is functioning correctly.

We make sure your thermostats are set for maximum energy efficiency.

Your technician will put the system through all of its cycles, to ensure that it starts up, operates and shuts down properly.

We inspect condenser coils and refrigerant levels. Air conditioning system components are cleaned and adjusted, debris is removed and coils are cleaned which improves efficiency, lowers your energy costs and prevents future repairs.

If you have any questions, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at 941-921-7208 or visit www.keepingsarasotacool.com.

At Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. We give our customers the quality and service they deserve!

Air Conditioning Energy Saving Tips – Keep Cool And Save Money!

The quickest way to save energy on home cooling is to regularly clean or replace your AC filters.  New filters can lower your air conditioners energy consumption by up to 15%.

Annual air conditioner maintenance will not only help improve your comfort, but it will save money by improving the efficiency of the air conditioning system while also prolonging its life.  When you have your air conditioning unit serviced twice a year you can cut up to 17% of cooling costs.

Having a programmable thermostat installed can help save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs per year. When leaving the house – try to get into the habit of setting  the thermostat to at least 80 degrees, you will notice a significant decrease in your electric bill.

If you install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat – It can save over $200.00 per year and usually pays for itself within the first year. Some programmable thermostats even allow you to connect them to your computer for programming, and most models are very user friendly.

Using ceiling fans will allow you to raise the thermostat up to 4 degrees without affecting your comfort.
Insulate, seal, or replace ductwork, Air loss through ducts can account for up to 30% of a cooling systems energy consumption.

Did you know that you could reduce your air conditioning energy use 20% to 50% by switching to a high-efficiency air conditioning system?

If you have any questions, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at 941-921-7208 or visit www.keepingsarasotacool.com.

At Sean McCutcheons Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. We give our customers the quality and service they deserve!

Save Money and Keep Cool with Bryant and Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating!

When you choose Bryant® products, you always get a dependable product installed by an experienced dealer.
 
And with a Bryant Bonus of up to $1, 450 and financing options with low APRs and low monthly payments for qualifying homeowners, upgrading to a higher efficiency Bryant system has never been easier!

Qualifying products must be purchased by October 15 and installed by October 31st.

Call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at (941) 921-7208 for more information or to schedule a service or maintenance visit.

We'll help you save money, and you'll get the quality and service you deserve!

Sarasota air conditioning contractor 

Bryant Air Conditioning Bonus

#sarasotaairconditioning

What Company Should You Hire To Install Your New Air Conditioning System?

When it’s time to purchase a new air conditioning system for your Sarasota home, you should always shop for quality first and price second.

You will find that comparable equipment is close to the same price, but one of the ways some HVAC companies can appear to offer products and services for less is by cutting corners and making up the difference where they can.  This is why it is very important to choose the right contractor for the job, and this goes for any trade – HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, etc.

The majority of Air Conditioning companies try to be honest, but many of them simply do not have the ongoing training or business systems in place to properly serve their customers. It is well worth it to make the effort to find an air conditioning company that is ethical, keeps their employees well trained, and makes customer service a priority.

Heating and air conditioning is the most complex home service trade. You cannot risk having an amateur or a dishonest contractor install your new equipment.

Some of the things to look for when choosing a contractor are:

•    Can they provide you with copies of licenses and certification
•    Have they been in business a while – and can they provide you with references?
•    Do they carry liability and workers comp. insurance?

Never hire a contractor who can quote a price over the phone or will offer to replace your old equipment with the same size unit without doing any measurements, inspections or diagnostic tests.   A good contractor will ask a lot of questions before they go ahead and just give you a quote.  They will also explain different options and help you choose the right system for your home and your budget.

Sometimes there can be a temptation to try and save money by hiring people who do “work on the side” usually nights and weekends. Anyone who does side work will not be licensed and there is a very good chance that they do not have liability insurance or workers compensation insurance.

These Unlicensed contractors hurt both you and proper contractors because they will often underbid licensed professionals and almost always perform substandard work since they typically do not have the appropriate education or qualification.  Sometimes they even have criminal backgrounds.  Also, if they fail to pay any subcontractors – you could also be subject to liens placed on your property. 

Is saving a few bucks really worth the risk? 

For more information please visit our site: www.keepingsarasotacool.com

#sarasotaairconditioning #sarasotahvac #keepingsarasotacool

Long Hot Summer Days - And Your Air Conditioning....

The days get hotter, your AC works harder!  But when you have Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. on your side,
you know your home is always going to be cool!

As part of our continuing commitment to service excellence, Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is proud to offer maintenance agreements to our valued residential and commercial customers.

Unforeseen problems are often associated with air conditioning neglect. These problems are typically not covered by the manufacturers' warranty. That is where preventative maintenance assurance comes in.

• Protect against system neglect not covered by manufacturers' warranties

• Extend the life of your air conditioning or heating system

• Reduce the chances of costly repairs

• Help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment

Regular preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. Our maintenance service help keep your system running at optimal efficiency!

http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

#sarasotaaiconditioning

Are you a valued customer or just another warm lead?

You’ve probably seen the ads from the air conditioning companies that offer the $49.00 tune up special, free UV Lights, free service calls, free surge protectors, even free duct cleaning with a service call.  Some “homeowner resource” magazines you can look through and find up to 5 different AC companies all advertising pretty much the same deals – one local magazine even uses the same graphics for different companies.

You’ve also probably heard of the term “Loss Leader”.  This is when an item is offered for sale at a reduced price and is intended to "lead" to the subsequent sale of other items or services.

You may think you are getting a great deal when you call an air conditioning company and take advantage of their $19.00 unlimited vent cleaning plus deodorizer special. The problem is, not only will the work be substandard, but the person who shows up to do the work will be a salesperson and will start trying to upsell you the minute they enter your home.

In a way these special deal ads bring to mind visions of carnival barkers picking rubes from the audience to con. It’s sad but true that there are many predatory companies out there just looking for unsuspecting people in vulnerable situations.  Just do a search on the internet and see how many duct cleaning scams are out there.

At Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. we value and respect our customers - you are part of our family and we treat you as such.  If you are kind enough to call us, you will never be treated as just another warm lead.  We are not out for the short term fast buck. We want to earn your trust, and we want you to be our customer 20 years from now.

Remember: If an Air conditioning deal or coupon seems too good to be true it always is!
If you ever need expert HVAC advice, or have any questions related to Air Conditioning, we hope you will call us or at least allow us to give you a second opinion.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  The quality and service you deserve.


#sarasotaairconditioning

100,000 + air conditioning systems recalled for shock hazard!

Name of Product: Recalled: Trane XB300 and American Standard Silver SI Air Conditioning Systems

Why?  The ground screws used in some units do not have the two threads required to provide sufficient grounding, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

If you have one of these systems please call Trane toll-free at (888) 731-7561 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT Sunday, or online at www.trane.com/residential and click on “XB300 Product Recall” for more information. Consumers can also log onto http://www.americanstandardair.com and click on “XB300 Product Recall” for more information.

This recall involves 37 models of Trane XB300 and American Standard brand Silver SI split system outdoor cooling units. The units are gray and have a black grated front. The units were sold in two sizes, 25.5 inches deep by 23.5 inches wide by 28.83 inches tall and 28.83 inches deep by 28.48 inches wide by 29.28 inches tall. The Trane or American Standard logo is affixed to the front and model numbers are printed on the silver nameplate on the back of the unit. Models included in the recall are: 

2TTM3018A1000A*    2TTM3024A1000A*    2TTM3030A1000A*    2TTM3036A1000A* 2TTM3042A1000A*    2TTM3048A1000A*    2TTM3060A1000A*    4A7M3018A1000A* 4A7M3024A1000A*    4A7M3030A1000A*    4A7M3036A1000A*    4A7M3042A1000A* 4A7M3048A1000A*    4A7M3060A1000A*    4TTM3018A1000A*    4TTM3018A1000B* 4TTM3018A1000C*    4TTM3024A1000A*    4TTM3024A1000B*    4TTM3024A1000C* 4TTM3024B1000A*    4TTM3030A1000A*    4TTM3030A1000B*    4TTM3030A1000C* 4TTM3030B1000A*    4TTM3036A1000A*    4TTM3036A1000B*    4TTM3036A1000C* 4TTM3042A1000A*    4TTM3042A1000B*    4TTM3042A1000C*    4TTM3048A1000A* 4TTM3048A1000B*    4TTM3048A1000C*    4TTM3060A1000A*    4TTM3060A1000B* 4TTM3060A1000C*

Consumers should immediately turn off the cooling unit via the main breaker switch and check the model information. Consumers with recalled air conditioning systems should contact Trane or their installer or service dealer for instructions on scheduling a free inspection and repair.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC’s free e-mail newsletters.

If you are in need of air conditioning and heating replacement or repair, please call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  - for the quality and service you deserve!

Click here to schedule HVAC service   Visit us at http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

Always Make Sure You Hire A Licensed Air Conditioning Contractor

Here in Sarasota we have a huge problem with unlicensed contractors. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has been cracking down on these contractors who do substandard work, or even take your money and do no work at all.

Unfortunately, some people are tempted to try and save money by hiring unlicensed contractors.

If you think there is nothing wrong with hiring an unlicensed contractor, you should know that installations performed by an unlicensed contractor will void the manufacturer's warranty so you could be spending thousands of dollars on a unit that is not covered if it fails.

In addition to that, hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of Florida Statute 455.228 which can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for the home or business owner and you could be liable for the court costs on top of that.

These tips from the Sarasota County Building department can protect you from predatory contractors:

•   Get a signed, detailed contract that spells out the work to be done, when, and for how much.
•   Ask for local references and check them.
•   Verify the company's reputation with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
•   Ask to see the contractor's license and verify its status. To check a Sarasota County license call 861-6126.
•   Do not make a large down payment and do not pay in full until the work is complete.

For more information on how to choose a contractor – click here to download a checklist.

If you are in need os air conditioning and heating replacement or repair, please call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  And if you decide to call another company, please protect yourself and do your due diligence.

Click here to schedule HVAC service

Beware the Air Conditioning Bait and Switch

The Sarasota Summer is here, and the southwest Florida heat seems to bring out the bait and switch con artists.

You’ll start seeing air conditioning special ads appear in your mailbox.  One is the usual $19.95 tune up special.  The air conditioning company will offer a very cheap price to get their foot in the door.  They claim they will check out your AC system and make sure it’s running perfectly, but usually they find problems, parts that need to be replaced, or even suggest the whole system needs to be replaced.   That $19.95 checkup turns into hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

Just ask yourself this; If you owned an AC company – could you afford to pay a technician and send a truck out to someone’s house for only $19.95?  The person who shows up to perform the $19,95 special is likely to be a salesman working on commission.  It is to their advantage to take you are as much money as they can.

Another ad you will see is the scary mold and dust mite duct cleaning ad telling you that the air you are breathing is deadly, but for only $49.95 you can get your ducts cleaned and save your family from a horrible fate!.

The Better Business Bureau warns against duct cleaning "bait and switch" scams.  Not only is duct cleaning itself usually ineffective, once inside a customer's home, technicians routinely mislead homeowners into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for additional work.

Unless you are in a commercial setting with ducts that are designed to be cleaned, there's no scientific evidence that regular duct cleaning improves air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
So what is the best thing you can do for your air quality?

Checking and changing filters, keeping systems maintained and having regular maintenance performed on your AC System will do far more good than trying to clean the ducts.  Also, installing UV lights can help to rid your home of bacteria, viruses and germs that reside in the air you breathe. UV lights will also prevent these and other particles from building up on the indoor coil which can inhibit airflow and reduce heating and cooling efficiency.

Many of these “bait and switch” companies have only been in business a short time.  They operate under one name, then close and reopen with a new name a few months down the road.  Sometimes, it’s even hard to know who actually owns the company.   This is why it is important to do a little research before you let anyone in your home.  See how long they have been in business, read reviews, and even look up their license and make sure it is in the owner’s name.

Remember, cheapest is never best!  And anytime you get a price for any work, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion.

If you are looking for an Air conditioning company that has your best interests at heart, please consider Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  Feel free to call us anytime for a complimentary second opinion or estimate on a new system. 

Even if you don’t end up using us, we’d still like the opportunity to earn your trust while providing you with the information you need to make an educated decision.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  “The quality and service you deserve”

Make sure that your Air Conditioning System is on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist!

If you live in Florida, you’ve probably seen, or experienced firsthand, the amount of damage that strong winds and heavy rains can cause, and you probably already have a routine that you break into whenever inclement weather is on the horizon. 

But do you prepare your Air Conditioning System?

If it looks like a power outage is inevitable, turn off your Air Conditioning System! Turning off the A/C, before the power goes out, greatly reduces the risk of blowing circuits and burning out the compressor when the power returns, and it protects the system from devastating power surges. 

Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the A/C is left on during thunderstorms and hurricanes. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your A/C, but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. It is safe to say that, in this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

Please click here to visit our website and learn more about preparing your air conditioning for a hurricane.

Upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system

Upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant® product* by June 30 and receive up to $775 in Bryant instant rebates, and up to $1,930 from FPL.  

Call us today!   (941) 921- 7208.  

For more information visit.http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/ 

Save with Bryant Bonus Rebates!

With a Bryant Bonus of up to $775 in instant rebates, up to $1,930 from FPL, and low interest financing from Bryant, there's never been a time like this spring to upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system. http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/ #keepingsarasotacool

 

 

Save Money and Keep Cool!

When you upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant® product* by June 30 and install by July 15, you can take advantage of up to $775 in instant Bryant Bonus rebates and you'll help reduce your monthly utility costs!

Bryant® also offers financing options with low APRs and low monthly payments to qualifying homeowners.

With a Bryant Bonus of up to $775 in instant rebates, up to $1,930 from FPL, and low interest financing from Bryant, there's never been a time like this spring to upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system.

If you have questions about the Bryant Bonus, or if you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at (941) 921-7208. We'll help you save money, and you'll get the quality and service you deserve!

FPL Rebates

FPL Residential A/C Rebates can save you up to $1,930, depending on the size of your Straight Cool or Heat Pump unit.For more information about the FPL Residential A/C Rebates, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. or click here to be directed to FPL's Energy Savings & Rebate Calculator.

* Qualifying products include Bryant® add-on and replacement products, including Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Geothermals, Fan Coils, Controls, and IAQ products. When an Evolution® Perfect Air™ Purifier, steam humidifier and either Evolution® Connex™ Wi-Fi Bundle or Evolution® Connex™ Wi-Fi control is added to a system, qualifying systems receive even higher rebates.

The quality of the air we breathe...

You can’t see it, but it’s all round us.  The air we breathe is a most essential component for life but easy enough to forget about.  The quality of the air we breathe defines the quality of our lives. A fresh summer breeze will always be preferential to the billowing smoke from a factory.  When the air is pure and clean, we breathe better and we’re healthier.

Newer buildings are built to be energy efficient, and as a result they are airtight.  When fresh air cannot easily enter a building it’s important to ensure that the indoor air is clean.   There are filters and air cleaners available that significantly lower the amount of pollutants in the air.

If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, respiratory problems, or other similar incidences, you’ll want to make sure you have very good filters on your air conditioning system.  You can even go a step further and have UV lights installed that will further purify the
air. 

If you have questions relating to air quality, UV lights, or air conditioning in general, our comfort consultants are here to help.

Call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. – for the quality and service you deserve.